A telling split

The Oakland A’s are only playing .500 ball, but their line when they’ve got their best position player looks like that of an AL West contender. Record with Kurt Suzuki: 25-18. Record without him (due to intercostal strain and bereavement leave): 8-15.

Another step: Tuesday evening, the San Jose City Council certified the ballpark Environmental Impact Report, a step toward putting the stadium on the November ballot. There is a sense that Santa Clara voters’ approval of the less taxpayer-friendly 49ers stadium measure (San Jose would provide only land and improvements, while Santa Clara would also kick in $79 million toward construction) has put momentum on the side of the project.

San Jose can schedule a vote without settlement of the Giants’ territorial rights issue, however, if there’s no agreement, the Giants-backed Stand for San Jose can be expected to launch a campaign and possibly a lawsuit against it. With polls looking favorable, San Jose may feel confident enough to go ahead and force a showdown.